Drones
are becoming more and more autonomous and easier for drone owners to control.
There are some fundamental components all drone owners should be familiar with,
which keep the drone in the air. Some people opt to construct their drones
themselves instead of purchase a readymade drone, which often reduces the costs.
This article will cover the basic parts of a fully functional drone and their functionality.
Quad copter frame
This
is a structure (frame) in which all the other parts fit in. It acts as a
skeleton in which different components are placed in such a manner that they
uniformly distribute the drone’s center of gravity. Different drone’s designs
have different quadcopter frames structure with a minimum of 3 propeller
fitting gaps. They are available in various shapes and sizes and their price
ranges from a mere $10 to $500 depending on their quality.
Motors
Motors
are essential for the propeller’s rotation. This enhances a thrust force for
propelling the drone. Still, the number
of motors should be the same as the number of propellers. The motors are also
fitted in a way such that they are easily rotated by the controller. Their
rotation enhances the drone control in terms of direction. Choosing the right
motor is really essential for the efficiency of the drone. You have to check
carefully about various parameters such as voltage and current, thrust and
thrust to weight ratio, power, efficiency and speed etc.
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
This
is an electronic control board that varies the motors speed. It also acts as a
dynamic brake. The component still helps
the ground pilot to approximate the height at which the drone is running in. This
is attained by gauging the amount of power used by all the motors. Altitude is
associated with power drain from the power reservoirs.
Flight Control/Board
The
flight board makes a log of the takeoff place just in case a need arises for
the drone to go back to its takeoff location without being guided. This is
known as ‘return to home’ feature. It also determines and calculates the drone’s
altitude in respect to the amount of power it consumes.
Propellers
Propellers
are clove like blades structured to create a difference in air pressure. When in motion, they cut through the air
creating difference in pressure between the top of the rotors and the
bottom. The top side is characterized by
low pressure as compared to the bottom causing the drone to lift into the air.
The price starts from as low as $1 and follows an upward trend depending on
their make and model. For example, carbon fiber propellers cost around $50.
They are light weight and are break proof, which are qualities not present in
propellers costing around $10.
Radio Transmitter
It
is a channeled transmitter and a communicator to the drone. Each channel has specific frequency capable
of steering the drone in a certain motion.
Drones require at least 4 channels for effective operation.
Battery, Electronics and Power Distribution
Cables
The
battery acts as the power source to the drone.
It supplies energy in all the electronics in the framework through the
power distribution cables. Nickel Metal Hybrid or Nickel Cadmium based
batteries were first used, however, their use has diminished while the use of
lithium batteries has increased. They can store a greater amount of energy than
the Nickle Cadmium and Nickle Metal Hybrid. The rating of a typical battery is
3000mAh and 4V. It costs about 10$. The electrical and electronic part is a
crucial part pertaining to the control and operation of the drone. However, in
respect to the purpose of the drone, other components can be either included or
omitted. The drone may be functional
without these parts, though for multitasking purposes it’s advised to include
them.
Camera
For
video shooting, cameras are attached to the drones. Cameras with the capability of shoot and
store or shoot and send are available and used in relation to the operator’s
taste or budget. Some use their own cameras while the quality conscious use
GoPro cameras.
Landing gear
This
is a structure meant for safe landing of the drone. However, it can be exempted since an
experienced user is capable of balancing the motors speed for safe landing in
emergencies. There are two major types of landing gear. One is fixed landing
gear and the other is retractable landing gear.
First Person Video
Though
it is expensive in comparison to the normal control device interface
(transmitter) screen, it gives the user an interactive 3D view experience. The
first person view (FPV) gives the user an ultimate feeling of as if the user is
flying in the skies. There are two major components of an FPV system. The first
one is the ground component. The ground component is also called the ground
station. It consists of a video receiver and a display system on the ground. The
second major component is the video receiver. The video receiver receives the
data by matching the frequency of the receiver with the transmitter present of
the drone. The most common frequencies used for transmission of video are 433
MHz, 869 MHz, 900MHz, 1.2 GHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz. Advanced versions of ground
components have sophisticated antennas which result in greater image
resolution. The airborne component has a camera and a video transmitter on the
drone. These are the basic components of a basic FPV system. However, advanced
FPV systems have advanced components and functions. For example, the FPV system
can be added with a GPS navigation system. It can also have flight data
systems. Further advanced FPV systems have “return home” systems which allow
the drones to come back to the position from where they initially took off.
In
conclusion, these are the major components of a drone. Choosing the right
component according to your requirements is a must. You are the one who is
going to fly the drone so you know better. The components are available in
abundance from various online stores and can be bought easily. Buy them,
assemble and combine them and have the time of your life flying your drone.
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